Provides information for older residents that helps them remain engaged in the community

Advocates to make Brookline an even better place to live for seniors and everyone.

Become a member of BrooklineCAN! Request a membership brochure by calling 617-730-2777 or visit BrooklineCAN.org

Innovative Resource Helping Non-Profits
ReServe Greater Boston is a nonprofit organization that works to enhance the lives of older adults and strengthen their communities. This is accomplished by matching "continuing professionals 55+" (ReServists) with organizations and public institutions that need their expertise. Nonprofits and public agencies can tap into a lifetime of experience to fill crucial gaps at affordable rates.

Launched in January 2013, ReServe Greater Boston is operated by Community Work Services (CWS), one of the oldest charitable organizations in the US, serving the Boston community since 1877. BrooklineCAN hopes to use a ReServist for two projects to be carried out in the first six months of 2015. For more information about ReServe, click here or call 617-795-1943.

Spotlight on Committees - CommunicationsHow best to share news and information with our members and with all of Brookline and beyond? The BrooklineCAN Communications Committee addresses this through the newsletter, the web site, social media, press releases, and promotional materials. This monthly newsletter provides information on BrooklineCAN's programs and advocacy activities as well as announcements on local events of interest. The web site www.brooklinecan.org/ offers detailed current material on BrooklineCAN as well as resources in the community. We are developing a presence on Facebook and Twitter, and we provide press releases for the Brookline TAB, the Boston Globe, and other media outlets. For details on this and all other committees see http://www.brooklinecan.org/volunteer.html

Perfect Gift--One Size Really Does Fit All! Honor friends, neighbors, helpful storekeepers - anyone who has made your 2014 bright - with a gift membership in BrooklineCAN. For a minimum donation of $25, we will send a special certificate welcoming your friends to BrooklineCAN. The form to use for gift memberships is available at www.BrooklineCAN.org. Your membership donation is tax deductible.

Respite Relief for CaregiversBrookline-based Rewarding Work Resources, a nonprofit organization, has expanded its services in Massachusetts to meet the increasing demand for in-home care workers. The Massachusetts Respite Directory was designed to give family caregivers short-term or temporary relief by helping them hire qualified respite workers who can take over caregiving responsibilities. Respite care is often the difference between families being able to care for loved ones at home or needing to seek permanent placement outside the home. Call 617-232-6444 or email info@rewardingwork.org for additional information.

Deal of the MonthTry out a new game for free! This month the Second Saturday @ Main will provide an opportunity to learn to play some new games. Just in time for the holiday season you can learn to play Rummikib, Mexican Train Dominoes, and Quiddler. These games may turn out to be the ideal gift for those persons who have everything on your holiday shopping list. Second Saturday @ Main, Dec. 13, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, Conference Room Main Library, Washington Street

Memory Party A Memory Party will be held to honor Jean Kramer on Saturday, December 13 at the Senior Center from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Jean was a long term resident of Brookline and was involved in many community activities. Among them was the Brookline Council on Aging where she edited the Council on Aging Newsletter for over 20 years. Jean was co-founder with Irving Schwartz of "Telling Our Stories", an autobiographical writing course for seniors. All are welcome to come and remember Jean.

Brookline Booksmith Free EventsTwo well-known fiction writers appear at the Booksmith this month to read from their latest novels. On Wednesday, December 3, Ha Jin will discuss A Map of Betrayal, a spy thriller about a Chinese-American daughter's discovery of her father's double life as a Chinese spy. On Tuesday, December 9, Anita Diamant will present The Boston Girl, a fascinating portrait of how a Jewish girl growing up in early 20th-century Boston finds her place in a changing world. Both readings are at 7:00 pm.

Mistral Concert SeriesMistral is a unique and engaging ensemble of international concert artists who perform with an irresistible blend of high spirits and serious music-making. They pride themselves on shrugging off old traditions and connecting in a singular way with their audiences. Founded in 1997 by flutist Julie Scolnik and Michael Brower who are now Brookline residents, Mistral now has a regular concert series in Brookline at St Paul's Episcopal Church.

Mistral's 18th Season continues just on the heels of Thanksgiving, on Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 pm, heralding the holiday season with a concert that features a profusion of dazzling concertos of Antonio Vivaldi. Mistral offers a senior discount for individual tickets. For more information visit www.MISTRALMUSIC.org or call 978-474-6222.

Annual Pottery SaleFeet of Clay's Show and Sale, featuring the work of 32 artists who share studio space at 21 Station Street, will be held at the studio December 4 - 21. You will find the work both diverse and meaningful and Feet of Clay artists hope you will join them in celebrating this Holiday season. The studio is located across from the Brookline Village T stop. Feet of Clay is a cooperatively run pottery studio with a large and well-equipped studio space. Classes are offered on a regular basis. For more information about the sale and the studio, click here or call 617-731-3262.

Brookline Winter Farmers' MarketThe Winter Farmers' Market is back. Sundays from noon until 5:00 pm you can shop for local produce, cheese, fish, and many other specialties. The market is located in the Arcade Building, 318 Harvard Street, and is open every Sunday from November through June.

Events of Interest

December 3, 3:00 to 4:30 pm at Senior Center, Discussion of OverrideThis forum is your opportunity to learn about the Committee's recommendations and forward your views to the Board of Selectmen before they formulate their proposal. Richard Benka and Susan Wolf Ditkoff, Co-Chairs of the Override Study Committee, will join us.

December 8, 2014 3:00 pm at Brookline Senior Center, Aging (Well) in SuburbiaJane Gould will discuss her new book Aging In Suburbia: Gray Homes|Green Cars at the December 8 meeting of the Livable Community Advocacy Committee. Jane is a Brookline resident. In the book, Jane examines changes that aging boomers will experience in housing and transportation. All are welcome.

Dec. 12, 2014 Recreation Department Trip, Christmas Tree Shops/IKEA Don't you just love a bargain! Join a pre-holiday shopping trip to the Christmas Tree Shop and IKEA in Avon, MA. We will spend equal time at both places and lunch will be available at the IKEA cafe. Fee (Res/NR): $10/$14. To sign up call 617-730-2069.